73 350 wont start

1973_442 · March 21st, 2007, 02:57 PM

i have a 1973 350 that wont start. the engine doesnt respond when i try to start it, and makes no noises.i replaced the starter, made sure all the wires were conected properly, but still nothing. the radio, windshield wipers, dome lights, and horn are not functioning, either. leading me to think its the coil, but using a dwell/voltmeter i got a surge right after i conected (5-6 volts)it but it went back down to 0. the battery keeps draining to about 3 volts. the alternator reads on the voltmeter, and its not a problem with fuses. anyone have any ideas?

Oldsguy · March 22nd, 2007, 07:20 AM

Sounds like you have a bad battery to me. The coil would have nothing to do with the accessories or the engine turning over, only providing the high voltage spark to the plugs. Since you measured 5-6 volts that dropped immidiately I would say it is the battery or a very bad battery connection.

Chumley · March 22nd, 2007, 11:11 AM

I also have a '73 350 engine and had the same problem. I should have suspected it right off, but the biggest problem was a bad battery. Replaced it along with new cables. Now it usually starts right up since I have full voltage going to the HEI. I also had a bad voltage regulator, replaced that as well. I would start with a fresh battery then go from there. Chumley

1973_442 · March 22nd, 2007, 06:42 PM

thanks

March 21st, 2007, 02:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
1973_442 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 10	73 350 wont start i have a 1973 350 that wont start. the engine doesnt respond when i try to start it, and makes no noises.i replaced the starter, made sure all the wires were conected properly, but still nothing. the radio, windshield wipers, dome lights, and horn are not functioning, either. leading me to think its the coil, but using a dwell/voltmeter i got a surge right after i conected (5-6 volts)it but it went back down to 0. the battery keeps draining to about 3 volts. the alternator reads on the voltmeter, and its not a problem with fuses. anyone have any ideas?

March 22nd, 2007, 07:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	Sounds like you have a bad battery to me. The coil would have nothing to do with the accessories or the engine turning over, only providing the high voltage spark to the plugs. Since you measured 5-6 volts that dropped immidiately I would say it is the battery or a very bad battery connection. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

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March 22nd, 2007, 11:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Chumley Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 217	I also have a '73 350 engine and had the same problem. I should have suspected it right off, but the biggest problem was a bad battery. Replaced it along with new cables. Now it usually starts right up since I have full voltage going to the HEI. I also had a bad voltage regulator, replaced that as well. I would start with a fresh battery then go from there. Chumley

March 22nd, 2007, 06:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
1973_442 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 10	thanks